March 22, 2021

Due to the lifting of the “Declaration of Emergency Situation” by the government on March 21, 2021, Saitama University’s policy for dealing with COVID-19 has been lowered to Risk Level 2 on March 22, 2021.

However, there is no indication that this situation is being brought under control and the risk of infection remains high. Saitama University ask our students, faculty and staff to act with a strong awareness of “not getting infected” and “not letting others get infected” all the time, and  take the following actions in order to protect the lives and health.

(1) Act in accordance with “COVID-19 Infection Countermeasure”
(2) Act in accordance with “Saitama University Students Behavioral Guidelines”
(3) Refrain from going out unnecessarily.
(4) Wash your hands, Disinfect your hands. 
(5) Wear a mask. Avoid a conversation without a mask. 
(6) Avoid the three Cs; Closed spaces, Crowded places, Close-contact settings
(7) Avoid “5 situations” that increase the risk of infection
   Situation①　Social gatherings with drinking alcohol
   Situation②　Long feasts in large groups
   Situation③　Conversation without a mask
   Situation④　Living together in a small limited space
   Situation⑤　Switching locations

We recommend installing the contact-confirming application.
・COCOA / Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
・COVID-19 LINE Notification system / Saitama prefecture (Japanese only)

In accordance with “Measures of Phased Easing of Restriction in Saitama Prefecture after March 22 issued by the Governor of Saitama Prefecture on March 19, Saitama University will ease the restrictions for the following Activities in stages. 

【Students】
○Entry to Okubo campus has been allowed on March 22, 2021. 
　However, students are asked to refrain from enter to the campus  until March 31 unnecessarily. 
   Furthermore, students are asked to take the following actions. 
   ・Wash your hands, Disinfect your hands.
   ・Wear a mask.
   ・Ventilate a room.
   ・Keep distance.
   ・Avoid a close-range conversation. 
   ・Keep a door open.
   ・Avoid a gathering in a group of 10 or more people.
   ○Extracurricular activities both on and off will be allowed on March 23.
   However, there have been some restrictions until April 11. And dining in a group before/after the activities is prohibited.

 The following activities lower to Risk Level 2 or remain at Risk Level 3

【Students】
 ○All of laboratory research activities have been allowed. 
    However, students are asked to take the following actions. 
   ・Ventilate a room.
   ・Keep distance.
   ・Avoid a close-range conversation.
   ・Keep a door open.
   ・Record the name(s) of person(s) in the same space.
○In case of travelling abroad, please follow the infection risk information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Japan and the country/region concerned.
 【Faculty and Staff】
 ○There is no limit on the number of people in a laboratory.
    However, Faculty and Staff are asked to take the following actions. 
   ・Wash your hands, Disinfect your hands.
   ・Wear a mask.
   ・Keep distance.
   ・Avoid a close-range conversation. 
   ・Keep a door open.
   ・Record the name(s) of person(s) in the same space.
   ・Hold a discussion online as much as possible.
 ○Domestic business travels have been allowed.
 ○Large-scale ceremonies and conferences should be canceled or postponed. 
 ○In case of travelling abroad, please follow the infection risk information of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Japan and the country/region concerned. 
 【Administrative and technical staff】
 ○Staggered working hours are encouraged.
 ○Remote work is encouraged whenever possible.
 ○Try to reduce the density of work by using vacant conference rooms as office space.
    Furthermore, Administrative and technical staff are asked to take the following actions. 
   ・Wash your hands, Disinfect your hands.
   ・Wear a mask.
   ・Ventilate a room.
   ・Keep distance.
   ・Keep a door open.
 【Unauthorized Persons】
Post offices, courier companies, construction companies, and other persons are allowed to enter the university. However, please wear a mask and disinfect your hands.